BMW produces the 3 Series, its long-running compact executive car line.
The BMW 3 Series began in 1975 as the successor to the BMW 02 Series. It was introduced as a two-door model, but later generations expanded into sedans, convertibles, coupes, and touring wagons. Today, the 3 Series is best known as BMW’s compact sport sedan and is a central model in the company’s global lineup.
The name identifies the model family, while the numbers and letters after it describe the engine, drivetrain, body style, or performance version. For example, the M340i is a high-performance variant, while the M3 is the dedicated BMW M version with substantially greater performance.
A common mix-up is confusing the 3 Series with similarly positioned rivals. Mercedes-Benz makes the C-Class, Audi makes the A4 and its successors, and Lexus has models such as the IS. The BMW 3 Series helped establish the modern compact luxury-sedan segment and remains closely associated with rear-wheel-drive handling, though newer versions also offer all-wheel drive.